Sport

Frater revels in underdog status

"AS long as I'm excited and happy I think I'll do very well." So said 2008 Beijing Olympics 4x100m relay gold medallist Michael Frater as he spoke of his plans for this year's Olympic Games in London, England.

Frater, who won a silver medal in the Men's 100m at the IAAF World Championships in Finland in 2005, told the Observer that the years have done nothing to dampen his thrill for athletic competition.

"I've accomplished what most sprinters have only dreamed about doing and I'm still here. I'm still very excited; still very excited about going to training and stuff like that," Frater told the Observer.

"It's hard work and dedication. For the most part, people have always counted me out and that has helped to drive me to prove them wrong, and that's what I've used to really motivate me to continue doing this," nhe declared.

Both Frater and MVP Track Club teammate — 2012 World Indoor Championships 60m silver medal winner, Nesta Carter — have received the support of HD Hopwood and Company Ltd through supplies of Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil and Joint Care, Complan.

The pair was also named brand ambassadors for Lifespan Spring Water at a brief ceremony at the Spanish Court Hotel recently.

"It's always good to have help," he said. "I've been around for a long time and this is the first time the private sector has taken an interest in helping athletes.

"Most of the private sector, they haven't taken an interest in helping the development of athletes, so we're very thankful and excited about this new partnership," he said.

Frater was also pleased with the show of support for their efforts ahead of the Olympic Games.

"It shows that they're behind us before the Olympics. Jamaica is producing a lot of great athletes right now and without a doubt, we're going to London to put on a very good show and give our best, and I think if we're at our best, then Jamaica and our athletes will do very well, so it's good to have somebody there before you get a gold medal.

"It's good to have somebody before the Olympics... sponsoring you," he reiterated.

Meanwhile, Frater, 28, who was also a member of Jamaica's world record and gold medal-winning sprint relay team at last year's World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, has been doing prep work for this important year in track and field.

"My preparation has been going excellent. We've had a few injuries here and there, but for the most part, I'm keeping fit.

"There's a huge buzz about London, more than Beijing. There's is a high expectation for us to compete at a high level in London... most of the athletes are healthy right now and they are without a doubt getting ready for London," he told the Observer.